Event FTW95LA290

Factual narrative

On July 10, 1995, at 1704 central daylight time, a WSK PZL Mielec M-18 Dromader, N210H, collided with machinery during takeoff near De Witt, Arkansas. The commercial pilot was not injured and the airplane sustained substantial damage. No flight plan was filed for the aerial application flight conducted by Bullock Flying Service under Title 14 CFR Part 137. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight which was originating when the accident occurred. According to the pilot, after a "normal" liftoff, he "started to turn toward field, [and the] aircraft settled." Subsequently, the airplane's left main landing gear "struck [a] barrel and power unit" at the end of the 2,600 foot airstrip. The pilot reported the airplane then "turned sideways knocking out other gear" and came to rest "100 yards from end of runway." Both main landing gear were torn from the airplane and the fuselage and horizontal stabilizer were deformed. The operator reported the airplane was loaded with approximately 3,000 pounds of dry fertilizer. Based on a temperature of 94 degrees and a pressure altitude of 1,000 feet, the density altitude was calculated at 3,500 feet. Using this data, a review of the performance charts in the aircraft flight manual indicated the airplane was within the prescribed limit for gross weight and required a takeoff ground roll distance of 750 feet. There were no reports of any engine or airframe discrepancies. FOLLOWING A 'NORMAL' LIFTOFF, THE PILOT 'STARTED TO TURN TOWARD FIELD, AIRCRAFT SETTLED' AND COLLIDED WITH MACHINERY AT THE END OF THE 2,600 FOOT AIRSTRIP. A REVIEW OF AIRCRAFT PERFORMANCE DATA INDICATED THE AIRPLANE WAS NOT OVER GROSS WEIGHT AND ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS REQUIRED A TAKEOFF GROUND ROLL DISTANCE OF 750 FEET. NO ENGINE OR AIRFRAME DISCREPANCIES WERE REPORTED. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12